Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies are a modern twist on the classic Southern side dish. These crispy, golden bites are loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños, offering a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Cooking them in an air fryer ensures they are light and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and moist on the inside. They’re a fantastic snack or side dish that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear.

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The combination of cheddar and jalapeños adds a rich, tangy flavor with just the right amount of kick. These hush puppies pair well with a variety of dishes, from barbecue to seafood, and are a great addition to any gathering. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, making them a versatile option for any crowd.

Perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish, these hush puppies are made even easier by using the air fryer, which gives them a perfect, even crisp without the need for deep frying. This recipe is designed to give you the same delicious result as traditional hush puppies, but with less oil and a faster cooking time.

Serving Suggestions:

- Serve Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies with a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli.

- Pair them with fried catfish, pulled pork, or a hearty salad for a complete meal.

- Enjoy them as a standalone snack with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• • Calories: 120  
  • Total Fat: 7g  
  • Saturated Fat: 3g  
  • Cholesterol: 20mg  
  • Sodium: 220mg  
  • Total Carbohydrates: 11g  
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g  
  • Sugars: 1g  
  • Protein: 4g

Storage Information:

- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and warmed through.

- These hush puppies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes.

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Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies Recipe

Ingredients:

• - 1 cup cornmeal
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon baking powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/2 cup buttermilk
• - 1 large egg
• - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• - 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust based on desired spice level)
• - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• - Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg, then stir in the shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and green onions if using.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

5. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the batter into 1-inch balls and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.

6. Spray the tops of the hush puppies with a light coat of cooking spray to help them crisp up.

7. Air fry the hush puppies at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

8. Carefully remove the hush puppies from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

These Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies are a deliciously cheesy and spicy treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce!